Heeding the Call to Service

Volunteerism prospers at ASU

By Caroline Westray
LiveWire

Lately the words “service” and “volunteerism” have surfaced more abundantly in the national vocabulary.  Through advertisements, mass emails, and YouTube, President Obama has asked that these words become a part of daily life for every American.

In one advertisement entitled “Step Forward,” Obama said, “America’s greatness was not crafted in skyscrapers alone, but on the ground by those who could see what needed to be done, volunteers who in service stepped forward.”

However, volunteering seems like an unlikely route for many Americans.  In times like these, when the economy is down and job loss is up, it is hard to believe that Obama’s plea is being heard, especially by college students.

But at Appalachian State University, Obama’s voice seems to be ringing loud and clear.

On Monday January 19, while some students were enjoying a day off, others braved cold temperatures and snow showers to serve the community.  Appalachian celebrated the 10^th Annual MLK Challenge, a completely student ran day of service.

Kelly McRell, a junior interdisciplinary studies major concentrating in non-profit development, said that while there is a good turnout every year, this year’s MLK Challenge was impressive.  Even with the inclement weather, about 130 students turned out at 8:30 in the morning to participate.

McRell is also leading an international alternative spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.  She believes that Obama’s call to service has helped volunteerism stay alive in a bad economy.

“We are still as strong into service, if not more so,” McRell said. 

All the domestic and international alternative spring break trips are completely full.

McRell says that the participation in alternative spring break, especially international trips, shows that volunteerism is not waning.  Even when families are struggling to pay the bills, students are willing to pay $1400 to $1700 and donate their spring break to help others.

Other school sponsored service programs, like the NC ACTS AmeriCorps program, report that interest remains high.

AmeriCorps, often called the “domestic Peace Corps,” offers a $1000 education award for the completion of 300 hours of community service through the NC ACTS program.  Some students participate as a part of an internship, but others do it just as volunteers.

Mary Cantrell, a senior psychology major, is working on her 300 hours at the Western Youth Network where she acts as a mentor to a 12-year-old girl.

When asked how the economy and lack of jobs was effecting volunteerism, Cantrell said, “It makes me want to volunteer more.  I think that is a responsibility we all should share; everyone is hurting right now and everyone needs help or at least a smiling face to make their day a little bit better.”

But Appalachian is not only helping locally and during week-long trips to the Dominican Republic.  This year, Appalachian is ranked 19^th among medium sized colleges and universities for the most graduates to enter into Peace Corps.

Kyle Laird, Appalachian’s Peace Corps recruiter and past volunteer in Ukraine, said that while fewer positions are available right now with costs for programs going up every year, interest at Appalachian remains the same.

According to the Peace Corps Web site, applications to serve have increased 16 percent nationally over the past year, the largest advance in the past five years.

Lorie Singleton, 1992 Appalachian graduate with a degree in special education and Peace Corps volunteer from 2000 to 2002, is optimistic about the future of the organization.

When she applied for the first time, right after graduating, Singleton did not receive placement.  She is legally blind and, at the time, Peace Corps had concerns about sending someone with a disability into the field.

Singleton was finally accepted into a program in 2000.  Serving in the Slovak Republic, she taught English to blind and visually impaired elementary and high school students.

Today, Singleton’s heart is still devoted to volunteering.

“I do believe that there will be a huge increase in volunteerism,” said Singleton.  “I think that President Obama is a powerful speaker and motivator. I think his words will inspire many people, looking for change, to find this change in serving others.”  

While most people who enjoy service hope that more join them on their endeavor, they disagree about where credit should be given.  Laird thinks there will be an increase in Peace Corps applicants, not because of Obama’s call to service, but because of the shortage of jobs for college graduates.

Laird admits that joining the Peace Corps for the lack of a better option is not how he would prefer to gain applicants, but he does not mind taking people regardless of the economic situation.

For the most part, students agree with Laird’s point.

Hilary Stewart, a senior music therapy major and prospective Peace Corps volunteer, had planned to wait until later in life to join.

“I am hearing all these people that are graduating complaining about not being able to find jobs,” said Stewart.  “If I can’t find a job, I might have to join the Peace Corps sooner rather than later.”

There has been no obvious increase in Peace Corps interest at Appalachian yet.

“The job situation is not going to sink into graduates for a little bit,” said Laird.

Todd Mortensen, associate director of Community Partnerships and manager of the NC ACTS AmeriCorps program, said that they have also yet to see an increase.  Since they enroll students for the program in the fall, he says that they will be able to see any change at the end of the year.  Currently, 40 students participate in NC ACTS.

Both Laird and Mortensen agree that there has always been a high level of volunteerism at Appalachian.  Service requires an attitude that both Corps leaders believe is cultivated in Boone.

Perhaps Singleton described this attitude best when she said, “To me, this is the greatest gift in volunteerism: when you are able to help someone see possibilities in and for themselves.  And they, in turn, are able to share this with someone else.” 

For more information about where you can volunteer in the community and the world, visit the ACT office in Plemmons Student Union or go to their website: www.act.appstate.edu